Volunteer Role Description 9433 3711

Grounds & Gardens Assistant

Organisation: Nillumbik Shire Council Location:Edendale, 30 Gastons Road, Eltham

Supervisor: Jo Skuse, Joel Watson, Stephen Laurence, Liana Peake

Time Commitment: as agreed

Trial Period:One month from commencement, or 4 sessions

Purpose: Edendale is an environmental education centre for people of all ages. The visitor experience is enhanced by providing open spaces and gardens, which are primarily made up of indigenous plants grown on site. This volunteer role is to assist in the maintenance of the many garden beds, including the orchard and vegetable gardens, and at times the paddocks.

Volunteer Duties:

  • weeding, mulching, watering, composting
  • planting including staking
  • plant maintenance including pruning
  • maintaining a safe, clean and tidy workplace
  • other grounds related tasks as required.

Once adequate training has been provided it will be expected that the volunteer will be able to complete routine tasks without direct supervision (although the supervisor will still be on site)

Skills, interest or experience for the role:

  • some experience with gardening would be an advantage, and a willingness to learn more
  • an understanding of occupational health and safety in the workplace.
  • commitment, enthusiasm and responsibility
  • able to communicate with staff on activities performed or completed
  • able to recognize when they need help and to be comfortable to seek help or advice
  • able to understand and follow directions and complete tasks accordingly
  • able to perform physical tasks
  • willingness to get the job done and an eye for detail
  • an interest in working with members of the community
  • able to work alone or as part of a team.

Volunteer Benefit:

  • access to training, information and resources in regard to indigenous gardening, vegetable gardening, farm sustainability and environmental issues
  • this experience is a valuable addition to the volunteers resume
  • working in a desirable outdoor location
  • invitation to attend volunteer celebration events
  • working in a team with different staff members and members of the community